Member for Orange Phil Donato MP visited Gum Swamp this week to look at the new multi-level bird hides that have become a big attraction for visitors. Forbes Shire Council received a Highly Commended in the Habitat and Wildlife Conservation category at the annual NSW Sustainable Communities Awards for creating 20 new nesting hollows in existing dead trees at Gum Swamp
Correction: The Rotary project number for flood donations is Project 47-2021-22 and not Project 48-2021-22 as was reported in last week’s story. Club president Chris Finkel requested that donors look for Project 47 by going to the Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) website, click-on “Projects” and enter 47-2021-22 to donate to the flood recovery.
Can you play an instrument? The Forbes Town and District Band is doing a membership drive and would love to hear from you. “We are searching in earnest for rusty, lapsed or budding musicians to join our community band,” said Sue-anne Nixon, publicity officer. The band meets on Monday nights from 6pm-7pm for learners, and 7pm -9pm for main band members. The band hall is at 165 Rankin Street- opposite Bernardi’s. We welcome experienced, lapsed or learners. Contact the band leader Hannah, on 0402 039 785 for more information.
Child Protection Framework: Weaving the Net is a community development project which works with the Aboriginal community, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal workers, government, and non-government organisations to develop a local child protection framework. Agencies in the local area are also invited to participate so that they can assist in providing services. The involvement of community members and service providers is integral to the success of the program. Join the Opening Forum on 22nd and 23rd March from 10am to 3pm at the Uniting Church Hall, 27 Browne Street in Forbes. Contact Debbie Gaudie on 6850 1234 for more information.
Buckle Up In School Bus: Students in regional communities can now buckle up and ride to and from school more safely with seatbelts installed in every dedicated school bus in rural and regional NSW. Under the $237 million seatbelt program more than 2,500 buses were fitted with seatbelts. For more information on the program, visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/buses-and-coaches/rural-and-regional-seatbelt-program-taskforce
Country Arts Support: Arts OutWest is calling for people with exciting small local arts projects in mind to apply for the Country Arts Support Program (CASP). The CASP 2022 round is focused on community-based, locally developed arts and heritage activities to benefit people in the Central West. Applications can be for $500 up to $3,000 for projects happening between 1st June and 31st December. Applications close at 5pm on Thursday, 21st April. To apply check the guidelines at artsoutwest. org.au and call Arts OutWest to discuss your proposal on 6338 4657.
Boosting Teacher Numbers: More teachers are on their way to public school classrooms across NSW with the opening of the next round of applications for two NSW Government teaching programs. The Mid- Career Transition to Teaching program attracts mid-career professionals into a Masters of Teaching to become a high school Mathematics, Science or Technology or Applied Studies teacher, working part-time in a school after six months, with intensive wraparound support to make the shift to teaching. The FASTstream targets teaching graduates and experienced teachers with leadership ambition and talent to accelerate their career journey.